What to Expect on your Family Photo Session

What to Expect on Your Family Photo Session

Capturing precious moments with your whanau is a beautiful investment that will last a lifetime- and beyond! A family photo session is a wonderful opportunity to create memories and freeze time, but it can also be a bit intimidating for some. If you're unsure of what to expect, never worry, never fear. Jodi B. is here. Ha. Here's a handy guide to help you through.

Planning and Preparation

Before the photo session, it's important to communicate with me about your vision and expectations. Discuss the location, theme, and any specific shots you have in mind. This will help me understand your family's dynamics and tailor the session accordingly. I always send out a questionnaire and you can let me know that way, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have something specific in mind.

The Day of the Shoot

On the day of the photo session, arrive on time or even a few minutes early to ensure a relaxed and stress-free start. Here in the Wairarapa the sun does love to drop behind the hills, so we usually have a limited time to capture those lovely golden hour shots.

Don't worry if your little ones need some time to warm up to the camera, this is totally normal and they’ll usually be asking for more photos by the end! I try to make it fun for the littlies by playing little games of tag, red light green light, or just getting them to jump up and down.
Make sure everyone is well-rested, fed, and hydrated before the session. Bringing snacks and water for breaks can be helpful, especially for the little ones who may need a little bribe or reward to keep them engaged. Mini marshmallows are my favorite.

Poses and Candid Moments

During the shoot, I’ll guide you through various prompts to encourage natural interactions. Please don’t stress if you feel a bit awkward at first, that’s completely normal! By the end of the session you’ll be total pros and will be ready to change your career to modeling.
I will encourage your family to interact, laugh, and be playful with one another. These unscripted moments often showcase the genuine emotions and love that make your family unique.

That said, if I guide you into a certain pose, remember you are allowed to move! Brush your hair off your face, turn and gaze at the view, or tickle your baby- all of these create movement and translate so beautifully in photographs. Much better then frozen in place!

Patience and Flexibility

As you well know, especially when it comes our small humans, things don’t always go according to plan.

Whether it's weather-related changes or kids who are feeling a bit shy, try to stay relaxed and go with the flow. I will adapt and make the most of the situation to create stunning images, I promise!

After the Session

After the photo session, I will carefully curate and edit the images to create a final collection for you to view. I usually post on social media within a few days to give you a wee taste of what’s to come (if you’ve permitted me to share.) Then you'll receive your gallery of digital images for you to enjoy within three weeks.

Cherish the Memories

A family photo session is not just about the pictures; it's an experience that will hopefully bring your family closer together. Embrace the moment, have fun, and cherish the memories created during the shoot. The joy and love captured in these images will serve as a beautiful reminder of this special chapter in your family's story.

Wairarapa Family Photographer